The first son did nothing for his father except displease and disrespect him. The son's initial "Yes" translated into nothing being done for the vineyard that day; in addition, it put the father a full day behind in chores to be done in the vineyard (Mt 21:29).
The second son did the father's will, yet not perfectly in all respects. The father, however, was satisfied. The vineyard chores were done, and the father, though wounded by the son's disobedience and rebelliousness, found joy in the son's repentance and ultimate obedience (Mt 21:30).
There is a third Son in this story. He is Jesus, the Storyteller, the Son of God (Jn 1:49). This Son did His Father's will obediently, instantly, and lovingly. Speaking of His relationship with His Father, Jesus said: "I always do what pleases Him" (Jn 8:29).
Our "attitude must be that of Christ" (Phil 2:5). Be so caught up in love with our heavenly Father as to eagerly seek and fulfill His every desire. Repent of displeasing and disobeying the Father. Tell Him "Yes." Then go out, work in His vineyard, and bear fruit that will endure for His glory (Mt 21:28; Jn 15:8, 16).
| PRAYER: | Father, "guide me in Your truth and teach me" (Ps 25:5). |
| PROMISE: | "At Jesus' name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!" –Phil 2:10-11 |
| PRAISE: | Praise the risen Jesus, Who trusted that His Father's words were true. Praise Jesus, beloved Son of the Father (Mt 3:17). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College